Quick Guide On Franciacorta

For lovers of sparkling wines and bubbles it is fantastic to know that there is not only Champagne or Crémant available.

In fact, there are many alternatives all over the world and they all represent the territory of origin with enthusiasm and passion.

Have you ever heard of Franciacorta? No? Let’s go fix it!

Franciacorta DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) is a sparkling wine produced in Italy, in the area between Brescia and Lago d’Iseo, an Italian lake of glacial origin, located in Lombardy, in northern Italy.

Here vineyards, woods and pristine hills alternate with marvelous landscapes, with castles, defensive towers, ancient monasteries and medieval villages.

We are talking about a sparkling wine obtained with the Traditional Method (exactly like Champagne), where the second fermentation takes place in the bottle and ages on its lees for a minimum of 18 months. There are different types of Franciacorta, depending on the grape varieties used and the aging on the lees.

Basic Franciacorta is obtained from a cuvèe mainly composed of a blend of chardonnay and pinot noir, while Franciacorta Satèn (age for a minimum of 24 months) and obtained mainly from chardonnay grapes, with the possible addition of pinot blanc. The Franciacorta Riserva ages for a minimum of 60 months and offers a complex and satisfying sip, rich in tertiary aromas and hints of yeast.

How to choose the best Franciacorta?

Choosing your Italian sparkling wine from all these alternatives can be complicated, but I’m here to help you.

Firstly: When do you want to uncork your Franciacorta? a dinner with friends? a romantic evening? formal lunch with your boss? I suggest you select a Franciacorta Riserva for the last case, while for informal dinners a basic Franciacorta is an excellent choice. Lively bubbles, lots of freshness and citrus aromas will make your friends happy!

Second: what’s the menu?
Franciacorta brut is ideal for an apéritif with cheerful finger food, while the Satèn version is perfect with sushi and sashimi, but also with shellfish and fish dishes. Are you about to enjoy grilled white meats, poultry and salmon? Franciacorta Rosé (pinot noir prevails) that’s what you’re looking for.

Flavor profile

In conclusion, this is an excellent light and tasty sparkling wine, to be uncorked on many occasions, thanks to its funny and dynamic style. In his youth it appears fresh and crisp, with a prevalence of fruity and floral notes.

With aging it offers a more elegant and complex aromatic profile, where hints of yeast, pastry, brioche and toasted bread are perceived on the nose. In the mouth it offers a rich, creamy and medium-bodied sip, very persistent thanks to the fine bubbles.

Now that you have all the information, choose your favorite and send me your match!

I’m curious to know your experience!